"Don't fear, Jack; I'll be quiet as a sucking pig in star light. I'll be yer shadow and never open me mouth, even if a jug, big as Teddy Fin's praty-patch, stud furninst me!"
"It isn't your tongue I'm so much afraid of as your propensity to combat. You must resist that delight of yours—whacking stray heads and flourishing your big fists."
"My fists, is it? Then I'll engage to keep them still as O'Connell's legs in Phoenix Square."
"Now, I shall report that you are considering my advice. You must be very gentle and placating to the guard, and let on that you have something on your mind."
"Indeed, I needn't let on at all. I have as much on me mind as Biddy
McGinniss had on her back when she carried Mick home from the gallows."
"O Barney, Barney, you would joke if the halter were about your neck!"
"An' why wouldn't I, me bye? What chance would I have if I didn't? I couldn't joke when I was dead, could I?"
"Well, well, think over what I've said, and remember that penitence half absolves guilt."
This was said for the benefit of the guard, who had approached as Jack arose to take his leave.